M.L.S. Tuition and Scholarships


 

Total Cost-of-Attendance: Tuition, Fees, and Living Expenses)

The following information is an approximation of the UCLA Law student's budget and should be used for informational purposes only. Below are the projected tuition and fees to complete the program.

All fees are charged to students in mid-August (in July for first year) and in mid-December.

Tuition cost for 2023-2024 academic year: $2,398 per unit for 26 units

  • 26 unit program
  • Part-time students completing the program in four semesters average 6-7 units per semester
  • Full-time students complete the program in two semesters and average 13 units per semester

Optional units #27-32 (2 classes) are TUITION FREE. $14,388 value.

After 32 units, tuition is assessed at the regular rate above.

  • University and Campus Fees

    2023-24 Annual Estimate of Campus and University Fees

    • Student Services Fee: $1,206.00
    • Ackerman Student Union Fee: $69.00
    • Ackerman/Kerckhoff Seismic Fee: $113.00
    • Graduate Students Association Fee: $38.25
    • Graduate Writing Center Fee: $21.03
    • Wooden Center Fee: $37.00
    • Student Programs, Activities, and Resources Complex (SPARC) Fee: $135.00
    • BruinGo Universal Access Transit Pass Fee: $16.50 (spring term)

    Fees are split equally over the two semesters of an academic year. For the above, the semester estimate of fees is $852.24 per semester (without the below Health Insurance requirement).

    • UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UCSHIP): $5,571.32 ($2,785.66/semester)*
      • *If you are covered by an insurance policy that meets waiver criteria and do not want to utilize UC SHIP benefits, you can request to cancel UC SHIP enrollment annually by submitting an online waiver application with supporting documentation during a waiver period.

    Full-time students are eligible for university housing at an additional cost.
    The UC Student Association/Graduate and Professional Council (UCSA/UCGPC) fee is a UC systemwide fee which can be waived per semester or academic year if requested by the student: $3.50 per semester.

    All M.L.S. students are charged the above fees regardless of program option (whether remote, hybrid, on-campus, part-time or full-time). See Fee Disclaimer below.

    Beginning Fall 2024, campus-based and student services fees are expected to be reduced by 50% for M.L.S. students.

  • Living Expense Budget

    The law student budget – to cover books, supplies and living expenses for the nine-month school year – is assigned to all students regardless if one lives on or off-campus. 

    For Informational Use Only

      2023-24
    Living expense Budget
      Monthly Annually
    Food and Housing    
     Rent $1,580  
     Food $742  
     Utilities $196  
         
    Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment   $1,720
         
    Transportation $353  
         
    Personal $280  
         
    Loan Origination Fees   $1,272
         

    Total Available
     

    $31,352


    The above budget represents the living allowance costs for M.L.S. students. Students enrolled part-time may see these figures adjusted.

  • Fee Disclaimer

    The tuition, fees, and charges posted to the student billing statement are estimates based on existing amounts. These figures may not be final. Actual tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change by the Regents of the University of California and could be affected by state funding reductions. Accordingly, final approved tuition and fee levels (and thus a student’s final balance due) may differ from the amounts shown.
     
    Some or all instruction for all or part of the academic year may be delivered remotely. Tuition and fees have been set regardless of the method of instruction, and will not be refunded in the event instruction occurs remotely for any part of the academic year. Figures for tuition and fees represent currently approved or proposed amounts and may not be final. Actual tuition and fees are subject to change by the University of California as determined to be necessary or appropriate. Final approved tuition and fee levels may differ from the amounts presented.

Scholarships

Partial scholarships are available to offset tuition costs.

All scholarships must be applied for at the time of application; scholarship awards will be provided at time of admission.

  • Bruin Scholarship: Awarded in amount of $5,000

    The Bruin scholarship will be awarded to admitted students who demonstrate outstanding academic merit and/or professional accomplishment. There is no need to apply for this scholarship; all applicants will be considered automatically and recipients will be notified.

  • Blue & Gold Scholarship: Awarded in amounts of $5,000, $10,000, or $20,000

    This scholarship will be determined based on one or more of the following factors: 1) a demonstrated extraordinary financial need; or 2) personal circumstances that might warrant additional aid.

    Application Statement Required. Must be submitted at time of program application.

    In no more than 500 words, the statement should demonstrate one or both of the above circumstances and must provide at least one of the following items: household income, net worth, any medical expenses, and or family assistance.

  • Outstanding Achievement Scholarship: Awarded in amount of $5,000

    This scholarship is awarded to admitted students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance, leadership skills, or other outstanding achievements.

    Application Statement Required. Must be submitted at time of program application.

    In no more than 500 words, the statement should demonstrate your exceptional academic performance, leadership skills, or other outstanding achievements through examples from your academic and/or professional experience.

  • Government & Non-Profit Leader Scholarship: Awarded in amounts of $5,000, $10,000 or $20,000

    Full-Time leaders in the government or non-profit sector may apply. An application is required (completed by uploading a statement when prompted during the application).

    Application Statement Required. Must be submitted at time of program application.

    In no more than 500 words, the statement must demonstrate: 1) a history of engagement in areas of public interest; and 2) a commitment to achieving lasting change that transforms people’s lives through work in non-profit or government sectors.

  • University or Healthcare Employee Scholarship: Awarded in amount of $25,000

    Full-time, career university or healthcare employees are guaranteed this scholarship.

    Employment verification will be required each term to maintain this scholarship award throughout the student's degree program.

    Note: This scholarship replaces both the Bruin scholarship and the UC tuition discount available for state-funded programs as the M.L.S. program is a self-supporting degree.

     

  • Dean's Journalism Scholarship: 100% Tuition, one awarded per year

    This scholarship, covering full tuition, is awarded to one admitted full-time, career professional in media, broadcasting, or journalism. Program application must be submitted by April 1st for consideration.

    Application Statement Required. Must be submitted at time of program application.

    In no more than 500 words, the statement must demonstrate: (1) An active professional history in the fields of media, broadcasting, or journalism, engaging in areas of public interest, such as (but not limited to) poverty, civil rights, human rights, public health, immigration, criminal justice, housing, or the environment; and (2) a commitment to achieving lasting change that transforms people's lives through work in the fields of media, broadcasting, or journalism.

Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Office can assist you with understanding and obtaining financial aid. Below, we have provided an explanation of each award, along with eligibility, application procedures and deadlines. Please contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@law.ucla.edu if you have any questions.

  • Educational Loans (FAFSA Information)

    M.L.S. students enrolled in at least 6 units are eligible to apply for student loans from the federal government to cover tuition and living expenses. 

    FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

    The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a government form which enables the school to determine students' eligibility for federal loans (Direct Unsubsidized and Graduate PLUS). The FAFSA must be completed each year by all who wish to be considered for federal financial aid at UCLA.

    Completing the FAFSA online reduces errors and improves turnaround time. You can do this by going to studentaid.gov. Request that a copy of the FAFSA be released to UCLA by indicating our school code: 001315.

    The FAFSA should be submitted as early as possible upon admission to the Master of Legal Studies program.

    William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program

    Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

    The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan program enables qualified graduate and professional students to receive up to $20,500 in a federally guaranteed loan. For the 2022-23 academic year, the Direct Unsubsidized Loan has an interest rate of 6.54 percent and a loan fee of 1.057 percent for loans disbursed before October 1, 2023. The federal government will automatically deducted the loan fee from each disbursement; therefore, your original (gross) amount requested and the disbursed (net) amount will differ.

    The student is responsible for the interest, which accrues immediately upon disbursement. Repayment begins six months after graduation or upon dropping below half-time enrollment.

    All applicants must submit a FAFSA in order to be considered. Once the FAFSA has been processed and the data has been received by UCLA, the borrower will receive an electronic Financial Aid Notification (eFAN) indicating the types and the amounts of financial aid offered.

    The U.S. Department of Education allows all eligible recipients to receive a lifetime amount of $138,500, including Undergraduate and Graduate Federal Loans. However, no more than $65,500 can come from the Federal Subsidized Loan.

    Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan

    Graduate and professional students are allowed to borrow through a Federal Direct Graduate PLUS (GPLUS) Loan. For the 2022-23 academic year; the GPLUS loan has an interest rate of 7.54 percent and a loan fee of 4.228 percent for loans disbursed before October 1, 2023. The federal government will automatically deduct the loan fee from each disbursement; therefore, your original (gross) amount requested and the disbursed (net) amount will differ.

    The GPLUS Loan does not have annual or aggregate loan limits (other than the cost of attendance less other financial aid) but requires a credit review. Just as with the Direct Unsubsidized Loan, GPLUS borrowers are eligible for an in-school deferment if they are enrolled at least half-time. The GPLUS has the same payment options, the same deferments and forbearances, and the same cancellation provisions as a Direct Unsubsidized Loan. The student is responsible for the interest, which accrues immediately upon disbursement. Repayment begins six months after graduation or upon dropping below half-time enrollment.

    All applicants must submit a FAFSA in order to be considered. Once the FAFSA has been processed and the data has been received by UCLA, the borrower will receive an electronic Financial Aid Notification (eFAN) indicating the types and the amounts of financial aid offered.

    How is APR different than an interest rate?

    In most cases, you have seen APR (Annual Percentage Rate) related to private loans, car loans and your credit card. What you are being charged for your loan isn’t actually just an interest rate; it’s really the APR. So, what is the APR?

    The APR is the annual cost of your loan. It includes the interest rate and certain fees. In order to accurately compare the cost of loans, you should always compare the APRs rather than just the interest rates.


    Entrance Counseling

    Important! All first-time federal loan borrowers at UCLA need to be informed about borrowers’ rights and responsibilities. Law students will satisfy this requirement by completing an online Entrance Counseling Session. This can be accomplished by reviewing the counseling session materials and taking an online quiz. All quiz results are transmitted electronically to the UCLA Student Loan Services and Collections Office.

    Please be sure to indicate "UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles" as your institution when registering your account to ensure that you are directed to the entrance exam.

    Failure to follow through with this requirement will delay disbursement of your eligible Federal Direct Loan proceeds.


    Credit-Based Private Loans

    Federal student loans are available to most students regardless of income and provide a range of repayment options, including income-based repayment plans and loan forgiveness benefits, which other education loans are not required to provide.

    Some students find it necessary to finance a portion of their education through private loan sources. These lenders offer loans to offset the cost of attending law school. The loan terms are printed directly on the application and also are governed by federal and state lending regulations. The choice of lender rests solely with the student, but he/she will need to meet the lender’s credit requirements. Please see UCLA's Preferred Lender List and Code of Conduct – Preferred Lenders.

  • BruinPay Plan

    Students may enroll in the BruinPay Plan to pay tuition and fees in four monthly installments at the start of each semester. See here for more information about the BruinPay Plan.

  • Useful Financial Aid Links

M.L.S. Tuition Fee Refund Dates

  • Spring 2024

    Any class drops or withdrawals must be made by the following dates to receive the corresponding percentage of M.L.S. tuition fee refund.

    Date Refund %
    Prior to January 22, 2024 – 11:59 pm PT 100%
    Prior to February 13, 2024 – 10:00 am PT 50%
    After February 13, 2024 @ 10 am PT 0%

    University and campus-based fees will follow the withdrawal refund schedule set by University of California.

  • Fall 2023

    Any class drops or withdrawals must be made by the following dates to receive the corresponding percentage of M.L.S. tuition fee refund.

    Date Refund %
    Prior to August 25, 2023 – 11:59 pm PT 100%
    Prior to September 18, 2023 – 10:00 am PT 50%
    After September 18, 2023 @ 10:00 am PT 0%

    University and campus-based fees will follow the withdrawal refund schedule set by University of California.

  • Past - Spring 2023

    Any class drops or withdrawals must be made by 10:00 am Pacific on the following dates to receive the corresponding percentage of M.L.S. tuition fee refund.

    Date Refund %
    Prior to January 24, 2023 – 11:59 pm PT 100%
    Prior to February 14, 2023 – 10:00 am PT 50%
    After February 14, 2023 @ 10 am PT 0%

    University and campus-based fees will follow the withdrawal refund schedule set by University of California.

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